Study on problematic history of Hans Asperger

Today, a research paper into the history of autism has been published in the journal, Molecular Autism.

It focuses on the problematic story of Hans Asperger, a prominent figure in the research of autism and who Asperger Syndrome is named after. He was working in Austria during the time of the Nazis and this study explores his relationship with the Nazi regime.

We expect these findings to spark a big conversation among autistic people and their family members, particularly those who identify with the term ‘Asperger’.

Autism affects everyone differently and people often have their own way of talking about autism. We will be listening closely to the response to this news so we can continue to make sure the language we use to describe autism reflects the preferences of autistic people and their families.

Obviously no-one with a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome should feel in any way tainted by this very troubling history.